Dauda’s Victory in Zamfara State: the Long Walk to Freedom -By Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem

Late last year when Governor Mutawallee was asked if the PDP flagbearer Dr. Dauda Lawal being a threat with his rising popularity and acceptability by people, he confidently said, who is he, and as a matter of he didn’t has opponent not even in PDP. He was sure of his victory.

At the time, lot of ill ploys were plotted against Dauda, moving from one court to another. Party crisis and having to deal with palm urchin politicians and other attendant challenges. Amidst all these crisis, his admiration and passion to make changes in his people, he never allowed unstable political waves to vitiate him. He was equally loved and encouraged by people.

Making the victory more relatable to people outside Zamfara State, I will describe it with the book written by Nelson Mandela: the Long Walk to Freedom. He triumphed above propaganda, political vendetta and party impediment. Buttressing it with Arabic axiom: “he who Allah is with, nobody can stand against him”.

Amazingly, he won without holding any political position in the past. He unseated the sitting governor and almighty APC campaign coordinator of Northwest. He was being against by all former governors. He enjoyed neither the support of traditional rulers and nor with the acknowledgment of other key stakeholders in the State. But his ideas and youthfulness are overwhelmingly accepted by the people. They fought and won him the mandate. Is God not great? He is!

Honestly, what is really happening in the political space is a very different thing entirely, especially that of Zamfara State, Kano State and others. It may not be enough but political sensitization really made huge difference. People did not only voted but monitor their votes from polling units to coalition center to ensure their voices aren’t tampered. They even went as far as they could by sleeping outside of the coalition center till daybreak.

Indeed, it was a long walk to freedom. The people of Zamfara State is presently in the excited mode of new dawn. Celebrating that their voices were counted. It is in their hope that with the new leadership, they won’t have to seek refuge in the city. Live in their respective homes without palpable tension and have their educational and health sector improved from its bottom state.

Dear Dr Dauda Lawal, congratulations on your victory as the Zamfara State Governor elect, I wish you a  peaceful stay in the office with swarming developmental and sustainable projects in the State. Zamfara people long suffered enough from inhumane leadership. Remember the believe they have in you, do not let them down. I wish you the best!

Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem is a medical laboratory scientist and young health journalist from Ilorin, Kwara State. He can be reached via: 08084683622, hernnany2016@gmail.com